Barra de Navidad is in the state of Jalisco, Mexico and is approximately 236 kilometers (141 miles) south of Puerta Vallarta and 297 km (178 miles) from Guadalajara. The largest city near Barra is Manzanillo, a busy commercial port town that handles large cargo ships and has a sizeable commercial fishing fleet. Barra de Navidad in Spanish is translated as "Bar of Christmas." Evidently this name was given the day it was founded on the high sandbar that separates the ocean from the lagoon. This narrow sandbar that was once a haven for nesting sea turtles today is a network of narrow streets and shops. As development moves slowly ahead, it is comforting to know that Barra continues to retain an intimate feeling. The downtown area keeps the pace slow, since the area is reserved for pedestrians and bicyclists enjoying the many stores and family restaurants. Many of the buildings retain the tropical Mexican character of white stucco walls with sweeping palm roofing.

Another feature that makes Barra distinct is the feeling that you are surrounded by nature. Barra borders the ocean on one side and a large lagoon extending eastward toward the Sierra Madre on the other. The crescent-shaped coastline is dotted with mangrove trees and palms that host small marsh areas and is home to a wide assortment of birds and reptiles. On any given day you can sight of a flock of pelicans, egrets, and frigates flying in and out of these waters. Around all this there are the incredible panoramas silhouetted as the sun runs its arc from sunrise to sunset.

Barra de Navidad extends out from the coast on a sand bar which divides the ocean from a natural lagoon. Across the narrow channel where the tides enter into the lagoon is a rugged coastline with scores of coves and empty beaches. Heading north from Barra along the beach are wetlands rich in tropical wildlife and flora. Two small towns in this direction are San Patricio and Melaque which both offer a variety of additional sights and attractions. Surrounding the Bahia de Barra are the foothills of the Sierra Madre which frames the fertile tropical plains with cattle, mangoes, bananas, and coconut palms. The sea with its bounty of fish and beauty make Barra an unforgettable place.

Barra offers a variety of recreational water activities for the sports enthusiast such as swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and deep sea fishing. Shops are plentiful and boats are for hire daily at a fixed rate. Trolling for marlin, tuna, or dorado can not only be entertaining but extremely tasteful when you can have a local restaurant grill your catch. There are a number of outfits in Barra and Melaque that offer different trips and outings. Check out their websites in the Barra and Mexico section.

Indeed, after a short time in Barra you will find it to be a place which leaves a lingering sense of nature's breadth and the simple pleasures of a Mexican coastal town.

Barra de Navidad is a small town where a bar of sand separates the ocean from a beautiful salty lagoon. There are small boats for rent that can take you on a jungle tour or fishing across the coast and with a little luck you may catch tunas, dorado or a big blue marlin. Waves vary from quiet to rough, there are even great waves for surfing.

Snorkeling
Barra is just minutes away from a number of tranquil bays and coves. Snorkeling in these secluded locations is an experience not to be missed! Snorkeling is an ideal alternative for those who do not feel comfortable fully submerging in a dive and would rather swim free with snorkel and fins. What a wondrous opportunity to explore the marine life that is available.

Eco-Tours
Many Eco-Tours are available in and around Barra de Navidad. You can schedule a tour to see acres of banana and coconut plantations, the Marabasco River, lime trees and mango orchards. Perhaps you want to travel along the ocean or lagoon, as you sip a "coco loco". Or you might simply want to sit back and watch the sunset in a thatched roof restaurant.

Fishing
Barra de Navidad is known as a fishing village, is often referred to as "the privileged location on the natural corridor for sail-fish migration." Barra is suitable for the sportfishing fanatics or beginners. Fishing for tuna, dorado, or marlin can be quite rewarding.

Beaches
Bahia De Navidad is exceptionally clean, and free of major aquatic traffic, or safe and pleasant swimming. The south end of the bay has ideal waves for surfing and body boarding. The nearby Tenacatita and Cuastecomates beaches are internationally noted for excellent snorkeling.

Colima
If you wantt to discover the heart of Mexico all you have to do is visit Colima, its active volcanoes surrounded by villages frozen in time, colonial architecture, Pre-Hispanic ruins, and traditional craftsmanship make Colima a captivating paradise. Founded on January 20, 1527, the city is one of the oldest settlements of the New Spain.

Manzanillo
Manzanillo is 64 km (40 miles) SE of Barra de Navidad, it has long been known as a resort town. One reason for its popularity is its enticing tropical geography, tall palms, abundant mango trees, and vast groves. It is a peaceful, traditional town of multicolor houses cascading down the hillsides. The most interesting archeological sites in the state can be found here. Manzanillo's importance as a port has continued since the conquest.

Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco, second city of the Mexican Republic. It has a reputation for being a more conservative, slower paced and traditional place than Mexico City. It is a very enjoyable location to visit, it remains a great site to see something of traditional and modern Mexico. You can visit anything from museums, galleries, and colonial architecture, to magnificent revolutionary murals by José Clemente Orozco. Parks, little squares and open spaces dot Guadalajara and a series of plazas unchanged since the days of the Spanish colonization.